Learn simple ways to conquer your fear of medical exams and tests

Easier Doctors’ Appointments

Easier Doctors’ Appointments

You've been putting off scheduling your gyno appointment for weeks. The flimsy gown, the stirrups...no matter how many times you've gone, you still feel vulnerable. As tempting as it is, delaying regular medical exams won't make them any better, since timely checkups can catch problems in their earliest stages when they're easiest to treat.

Fortunately there are ways to make exams more comfortable. The first step is to call the doctor's office before your appointment and speak to a nurse or physician's assistant. "Often, it's the fear of the unknown that prevents people from scheduling a test like a colonoscopy, so ask for an overview of what to expect," says Sandra Cialfi, nurse manager of the endoscopy center at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. "We're more than happy to answer all of your questions in advance because it makes our job easier once you're here," she says. Knowledge is power, and that's particularly true when it comes to these often anxiety-producing health screenings. Top medical insiders explain how to navigate four of the most common.

Your Gynecology Exam

Your Gynecology Exam

Ask about estrogen cream. "If you're having vaginal dryness, which can make an internal exam especially uncomfortable, ask your doctor about applying an estrogen cream for a few weeks before your appointment," suggests Lauren Streicher, MD, assistant clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago. "Because the prescription cream increases lubrication, it can make the exam much more tolerable," she says.

Relax your muscles. "During a pelvic exam, a natural inclination is to clench your pelvic and buttock muscles, which can make the procedure more uncomfortable," says Dr. Streicher. Just before the exam starts, take a few deep breaths (close your eyes if it helps) and relax your buttock muscles. "Focus on dropping your rear so it's touching the exam table," Dr. Streicher says.

Speak up. If you're extremely uncomfortable—and definitely if you're in pain—during the exam, tell the doctor right away. She may be able to try a smaller speculum (the instrument that allows her to see inside your vagina). "I tell my patients they can say 'stop' at any point, and I will do so immediately to figure out how I can make the exam more comfortable—whether that means proceeding very slowly or going more quickly to get it over with," says Dr. Streicher.

Bring your own robe. "There's no law that says you have to wear the super-thin gown given out at the doctor's office, which can be very uncomfortable, especially if it doesn't fit you very well," Dr. Streicher says. Bringing your own roomy, soft robe from home will go a long way toward making you feel less self-conscious and more at ease.